220 Compressor-Hard Wired or a Plug?

[pop pop]

You have to watch the HP ratings. A 50 amp Leviton recep only has a 3 HP rating. So for most members on here with larger compressors this isn't even an option.

Specs taken from here:
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=5374&section=42418&minisite=10251

I've always been puzzles/amazed at the electrical equipment mfg./NEMA ratings. Following this, my 3 HP 220v motor which draws 14 -15 amps (nameplate rating) should be wired with #6 wire on a 50 amp plug and attached to the factory #12 wire from the motor. Why not use #12 wire, connected to #12 wire on a 30 amp plug with a 30 amp breaker? Or let's just start puttiing the correct amp rating on the devices.

 

[mayday0017]

For what it cost to buy a male plug for mine I bought a subpannel and hardwired. And used the female plug I had from my last house as a spare for my welder. I can't have both running at the same time or my 50A breaker would most likely trip but for what the plug cost I now have more expansion options in my future.